OLDHAM could have two permanent encampments for travellers built before the end of the year.

The news comes after Gypsy Council representatives met up with Oldham Council last Friday to identify suitable sites - and the Advertiser understands that preferred venues by the Gypsy Council include Daisy Nook and Lees.

Gypsy Council secretary Hughie Smith, assistant secretary Joan Langary, and Oldham Council housing strategy manager Alan Caddick held the meeting after a recent spate of travellers arriving in the borough.

These visits took the total number since April 2003 to 48.

Mr Smith, who lives in a Gyspy Council run site in Yorkshire, said: "The council are in the process of finding two permanent sites in the area - one will be residential and the other one will be a transit site for people passing through.

"They have recognised the responsibility that they have to people who are born and bred in Oldham. These are the people that we are concerned about first and foremost.

"We are going to look around ourselves in the next couple of weeks to see how far we can get and if we see suitable sites we will apply for planning permission and go through the correct channels.

"But the council are in a much better position. They have the land to start with."

Oldham Council last week approved changes to its rules for dealing with illegal traveller encampments in order to take account of the latest government guidelines, which include a commitment to increased provision of permanent and transient sites.

Calderdale, Kirklees, Stockport and Tameside are also considering establishing permanent sites in line with legal obligations set out under the 2004 Housing Act.

Mr Smith recognised that tensions did exist between travelling and resident communities, but was adamant that people can co-exist.

"The Oldham site (on Ada Street) operated for 18 years and didn't cause problems for anyone during that time. The children went to local schools and made friends. We proved from that experience that the way to deal with the so-called 'gypsy problem' is to set up permanent sites."

Housing strategy manager Alan Caddick refused to confirm or deny any details of possible sites, but added: "We have had a productive meeting with the Gypsy Council and are committed to continuing discussions with them.

"The next step will be to carry out an assessment so that we have a full understanding of the needs and scope of the travelling communities demands in Oldham.

"We will also be consulting with our partner organisations so that any solution we come to will have had their full input and is agreed to by all relevant bodies."

MP Phil Woolas, who lives in Lees, refused to be drawn on whether or not he though permanent sites were a good idea.

"The public quite rightly object to people leaving rubbish and causing problems for the local community - but there are sites in parts of the country that do work if everyone behaves responsibly and doesn't abuse the facilities.

"But what we could end up with are illegal sites attached to the permanent ones and I feel that's what we have to avoid. It is an urban myth that all travellers are bad. But what we don't want are illegal sites. That is the bottom line."